Now wouldn't this be nice...

[Caskbill]

I was looking at making some airline reservations on line and the airline site had a button to click for any flight which showed the aircraft seating chart, and what seats were still available.

Then I thought, why can't DVC do something like that. It wouldn't have to be a fully developed reservation system right off. Just a site that would show the current status of availability of rooms. Each page could be one resort, with a calendar showing how many units a resort has (Studio, 1BR etc) and how many are still available. It wouldn't even have to be real time, maybe just updated every evening. It would sure help in our planning.

And how many calls to member services would it save?

Just a thought.....

Caskbill

 

[J.P.]

Sounds like a great idea. Someone should suggest it to DVC, would make reservations alot easier. JP

 

[RobDoc]

Since DVC has asked us for email information (I do get occasional messages), they probably have a good idea of how many members utilize the internet.
I suspect that when they find enough interest, they may get more aggressive about updating some of these features.
As we saw here with the "How many Members" thread- those who responded make up a very small segment of the DVC Membership. Unless they are convinced a significant number will utilize a service like that, it certainly does involve a lot of expense to create that system online. Hmmmm, I wonder how the membership would vote for that expense to be added to our dues....

 

[jctwizzer]

Unless it was done in real time it wouldn't be much help. One reservation, and the whole situation would change. Imagine the outcries. Here and elsewhere.

 

[PamOKW]

It's a good idea but I don't think it would work. If they could pre-assign rooms (like the airline does seats) they'd already do it. They don't. They wait until just a few days before arrival. My guess is because there are so many variables. A plane has a set number of seats with a set number of people on each flight. The resorts are much more fluid.

 

[rsinj]

.

 

[mickeyc]

Although I think the idea has some merit, when calling for ressies I think it is better to speak to MS. When you explain your needs I have found them to be very accomodating and offer other ideas that might work. Also, given the complexities of banking, barrowing, and using existing points I don't think everyone (DVC'ers) have enough expertise. It seems too complicated to implement on mass scale. Who knows WDW may try a pilot program? Enjoy!!

 

[wdwnut]

hi to all: it certainly does sound like an idea with some good points-even if just checking availability at the different resorts and then contacting ms via phone or e-mail. doc brought up a good point as well; i wonder how much the cost would add to our dues.

 

[dmadman43]

This is an idea I posted earlier when someone mentioned how "lame" the DVC member web site is. I really don't see why this wouldn't work. I'm not quite sure I understand the objections. MS, I'm sure, uses a computerized reservation system. Simply make that available to members only via the web site. I can make hotel reservations over the internet (which is the more accurate analogy) They have my member ID; allow me to create a unique ID and password. It would not be a stretch to simple give us similar access. I could then use MS to make any specific requests or non-standard changes or requests. At a miminum, I would love to have access to availability, and the ability for me to manage my points on-line and not rely on MS to do that. Would certainly take a huge labor burden off of MS. Those that want can still use MS can still use it. Those of us that trust the on-line system would go on line...any time, day or night!!. That's one potential advantage...available 24-hours a day!!!

[This message was edited by dmadman43 on 03-19-01 at 12:15 AM.]